Contents

Development

The Dodge Ram SRT was created by DaimlerChrysler's PVO (Performance Vehicle Operations) division, using Dodge Viper and Chrysler Prowler engineers. Extensive wind tunnel testing was used in styling the exterior of the Ram SRT. This is the second time that Dodge has put a Viper engine into a Ram pickup. At the 1996 Chicago Auto Show, Dodge introduced a concept Dodge Ram with a Viper Generation 2 engine, but it was not put into production. The Dodge Ram VTS was painted Banzai Blue with dual white skunk stripes, housed a 488 cid V10, a six-speed Borg-Warner manual gearbox, and 17 inch Viper GTS wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich 275/60-HR17 Comp T/A HR4 tires.

Overview

Dodge Ram SRT-10 engine

The main attraction of the SRT-10 is its engine, which is an 8.3 Liter V10Viper Engine. This engine produces 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 525 lb·ft (712 N·m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. The regular cab, with a total wet weight of 5,100 lb (2,300 kg), making the truck reach a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h), and can accelerate the regular cab SRT-10 from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.8 seconds and the Quad Cab version in 4.9 seconds

Drivetrain

The V10 Viper engine, resting on unique engine mounts, delivers 90 percent of its torque from 1500 to 5600 rpm. The cast aluminum cylinder block has cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main caps. The bore and stroke have been increased over previous Viper models. Compression ratio, firing order, rod length, block height and block length are unchanged from the generation three Dodge Viper engine setup. The regular cab features a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, while the Quad cab utilizes a 48RE four-speed automatic transmission modified from the Ram Heavy Duty transmission.

Gear

1

2

3

4

5

6

Final Drive

Ratio

2.66:1

1.78:1

1.31:1

1:1

0.74:1

0.5:1

4.11:1

Suspension

PVO engineers modified the Ram Heavy Duty's rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension for use in the Ram SRT. A fully hydroformed Dodge Ram frame, one of the stiffest in the industry, was used in conjunction with a custom tuned suspension, bringing the Ram SRT-10's ride height one inch lower in the front and two inches lower in the rear. Bilstein shock absorbers, performance-tuned springs and unique aerodynamic aids were used to enhance the Ram SRT's higher speed performance.

Exterior

One of the most noticeable exterior feature of the Ram SRT is a unique hood that features a wide power bulge and hood scoop. The hood scoop allows cool air to enter as well as forcing hot air to exit from the engine bay, thus helping the engine to develop more power as well as making the engine run cooler. "Viper Powered" badges were added to the sides of the power bulge, to hint at the monster engine lurking under the hood. Another exterior feature is a tonneau cover with an attached spoiler that was supposed to come standard on the 2005 Quad cab version and the 2006 models, but due to manufacturing problems, the tonneau cover was not installed on nearly half of the Ram SRTs intended. To help remedy this situation, Dodge added a $1000 credit and a regular spoiler to the Ram SRTs that did not receive the tonneau cover. In addition to style, the spoiler also helps with air flow and provides a reduction in lift and drag. The Ram SRT-10 has a bed size of 6 feet (2 m), making the regular cab's overall length 17 ft 7 in (5.4 m), and a 19 ft 2 in (5.8 m) overall length for the Quad Cab. The Ram SRT also has a lower ride height than regular Ram trucks.

Interior

The stock stereo system of the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is generous, consisting of 8 Infinity brand speakers and subwoofers pumping out a combined 505 watts of sound. It also comes with a carbon-fiber trimmed steering wheel and with heavily bolstered racing-derived suede-trimmed black leather seats for the comfort of riders. The center stack is adorned by silver trim and a silver trim strip, with the SRT-10 logo, resides on the passenger-side air bag. Taking a cue from the Dodge Viper, the Ram SRT comes with a red start button on the dash. The manual transmission regular cab comes with a Hurst shift lever, which sprouts from a silver metal shift bezel and is fitted with a Viper-style shift knob. Aluminum performance-inspired pedals replace the stock setup. The gauge cluster features satin silver-faced gauges and Viper font and graphics. The speedometer and tachometer were appropriately recalibrated to go with the Ram SRT's extreme performance.

Wheels

The stock 22 inch rims and Pirelli Scorpion P305/40R22 performance tires gives the SRT-10 the grip that helps it achieve record breaking speed. The brakes were modified from the Ram Heavy Duty truck for use in the Ram SRT line. The standard ABS-equipped brakes are fitted with 15-inch (380 mm) rotors on the front and 14-inch (360 mm) rotors for the back. Each of the large rotors feature unique red calipers. Two Nascar-inspired brake cooling ducts integrated into the front fascia, provide plenty of cooling for the Ram SRT's brakes.

Quad Cab

Following the success of the Ram SRT regular cab, Dodge decided to introduce a Quad cab version starting in the 2005 model year. The new Quad cab was aimed at the performance truck enthusiast who wanted a performance pickup, but not at the expense of room for the family and towing capacity. The Dodge Ram SRT Quad cab was fitted with a 4.56 gear ratio to improve low-end acceleration and to provide a 7,500-pound (3,400 kg) towing capacity. A body-color aluminum tonneau cover with an aerodynamic spoiler comes standard on the Quad cab. The Quad Cab is only offered with a 4-speed Automatic.

Special editions

Dodge released several limited editions of the Ram SRT alongside the standard regular cab and Quad cab versions.

VCA Edition - 50 produced, released at the 2004 Daytona Motor Speedway Race in February. Its paint scheme was white rally stripes on Electric Blue. Engine was also signed by Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler Group's former Chief Operating Officer.

End of production

In the wake of severe market underperformance, production of the SRT-10 was halted by DaimlerChrysler far in advance of its original schedule.[citation needed] It is generally assumed[weasel words] that the reason the trucks sold so poorly was low consumer demand for vehicles with poor gas mileage in an environment of rising gas prices.[1] According to the window sticker, the mpg on the Ram SRT-10 is 9 city and 12 highway. As of August 8, 2006, it was common for new SRT-10s to be selling from a dealer's lot for as little as $8,000.[citation needed] Through 2005, around 4,500 Ram SRT-10s have been sold.[1]

The total production for the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 was 3,027. For 2005, the total production was 9,027 and the 2006 total production was 973.[citation needed] Due to the short 3 year lifespan of this truck, just over 9,000 Dodge Ram SRT-10s were manufactured. Compared to the 35,000 Ford Lightnings produced over a 9 year lifespan, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is truly a limited edition truck.